Is a Career in Finance Right for You? (2024)

Is a Career in Finance Right for You? (1)

HBR Staff; Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images

Summary.

If you’re considering a career in finance, a good way to get your foot in the door and build a strong foundation for your growth typically involves pursuing one of two paths: retail finance or institutional finance. How do you know which path is right for you? Consider the following:

  • Retail finance typically involves dealing with the general public. These professionals service customers that include individual investors and small businesses. The most notable designation for finance professionals working in this space is the CFP, certified financial planner.
  • Institutional finance generally refers to working with large institutions such as banks, hedge funds, and other business entities. The premier designation in this space is the CFA, chartered financial analyst.
  • Retail finance offers the flexibility of working in almost any locale. Institutional finance often implies that you’re an employee of a large institution, and you likely will have less opportunities to work remotely.
  • Retail finance, such as being an independent financial advisor, can mean working with new customers every day, but often doing so alone. Institutional finance usually means working on a team within a department that’s part of a larger department, meaning there is more of a hierarchy.
  • People in retail finance are more likely to obtain a bachelor’s and then pursue necessary insurance and investment licenses or designations specific to their career and clientele. People in institutional finance may have to obtain a master’s to move up the ladder.
  • The average salary for afinance major is $101,038. Pursuing a career as a financial advisor or another form of financial sales can go well beyond this number, whereas a career in corporate America or the government typically stays close to it.

“Can you speak another language?” The hiring manager read the puzzled look on my face.

Is a Career in Finance Right for You? (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if finance is right for me? ›

What Traits Should I Possess? When dealing with finances, it is extremely important to be detail-oriented, organized, analytical and a good communicator.

Is finance a good career path for you? ›

Finance degree jobs can provide relatively high pay, stability, opportunities for advancement and consistent demand projections. Careers in finance may also offer flexibility for employees by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments.

How to answer why do you want to pursue a career in finance? ›

Tips to answer "Why do you want to pursue a career in finance?"
  1. Showcase your passion. ...
  2. Highlight your analytical skills. ...
  3. Discuss the impact. ...
  4. Emphasize the challenge. ...
  5. Show your understanding of the industry. ...
  6. Link it to your skills. ...
  7. Highlight the potential for continuous learning. ...
  8. Discuss the potential for growth.
May 8, 2024

What kind of person should go into finance? ›

Superior communication skills, attention to detail, strong quantitative and analytical skills are a must for this role. Good presentation and communication skills are essential for board presentations too. Building up an in-depth knowledge of the industry you're in is a big plus.

Is finance hard if you're bad at math? ›

Believe it or not, mastery of advanced math skills is not necessary to have a career in finance. With today's technology, all math-related tasks can be done by computers and calculators. That said, there are some basic math skills that would certainly make you a better candidate in the finance industry.

Is there a lot of math in finance? ›

Accountants need to be proficient in basic arithmetic, algebra, and statistics to analyze financial data, prepare reports, and ensure accuracy in their work. They may also use mathematical principles to perform tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Is finance a good major for introverts? ›

Financial Manager Positions

These financial management positions include controllers, treasurers, credit managers, cash managers, risk managers and insurance managers. Since each of these positions requires strong analytical skills along with the ability to work independently, introverts tend to make ideal candidates.

How stressful is a career in finance? ›

Finance is not always a stressful career, but for the highest-earning jobs it can be. Long hours and an “always on call” mentality can be extremely stressful for finance professionals, especially those dealing with global markets.

Is finance harder than accounting? ›

Is finance harder than accounting? Accounting relies on precise arithmetic principles, making it more complex, whereas finance requires a grasp of economics and accounting without as much mathematical detail.

What attracts you to a career in finance? ›

I want to work in finance because I enjoy the challenging nature of the industry and how fast-paced it is. I thrive under pressure. I enjoy problem-solving and analyzing data, but also realize that finance is not just about the numbers, it is about the people too.

How to ace a finance interview? ›

Six expert tips for your next finance interview
  1. Get to the point. ...
  2. Know your finances. ...
  3. Make yourself the added value. ...
  4. Talk confidently about the industry. ...
  5. Engage with the interviewer. ...
  6. Keep learning.

Why did I choose finance as my major? ›

A finance degree can open doors to a broad range of dynamic professional opportunities — often with high earning potential in diverse industries. Finance majors learn fundamental business skills that can translate to careers in a variety of organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

What personality is best for finance? ›

Introverted sensors, ISTJs are known as the best personality type for accounting jobs, CFO positions, or careers as auditors. This type is loyal, hardworking, and understands the importance of their roles; but the real predictor of success here is their analytical nature that enables them to work quickly and precisely.

Is a career in finance worth it? ›

A career in finance can be very lucrative. The average salary for a finance major is $101,038. Pursuing a career as a financial advisor or another form of financial sales can go well beyond this number, whereas a career in corporate America or the government typically stays close to it.

What type of finance pays the most? ›

Highest-paying finance jobs
  • Investment banker. ...
  • Hedge fund manager. ...
  • Financial analyst. ...
  • Information technology auditor. ...
  • Financial software developer. ...
  • Private equity associate. ...
  • Chief compliance officer. ...
  • Chief financial officer.
Apr 18, 2024

How do I know if I'm doing OK financially? ›

Signs of financial stability include following a budget, living below your means, saving money consistently, prioritizing debt repayment, and paying bills on time.

How do I know if I will get finance? ›

The only way to find out if you'll be accepted for a loan is to apply. Yet that leaves a mark on your credit file that other lenders can see, potentially affecting your ability to get future credit. This tool finds out your chances of getting loans before you apply, helping you apply for the right loan first time.

What is the #1 rule of personal finance? ›

#1 Don't Spend More Than You Make

When your bank balance is looking healthy after payday, it's easy to overspend and not be as careful. However, there are several issues at play that result in people relying on borrowing money, racking up debt and living way beyond their means.

How do you know if you are in a good financial position? ›

Low Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of how much debt you have compared to your income. A healthy financial position usually means having a low debt-to-income ratio that won't give you nightmares. You're not drowning in debt; you're in control and making progress towards being debt-free.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 6361

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.